Lana Oconnell
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) was created by the CARES Act to provide emergency grants to students. Initially, international students were not eligible for HEERF grants as they did not meet Title IV eligibility requirements. However, with the release of HEERF III, the Department of Education has expanded eligibility to include international students, regardless of their Title IV status. This decision has been welcomed by groups advocating for international students, who were previously unable to access this form of support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are international students eligible for HEERF? | Yes, international students are eligible for HEERF III funds. |
| Eligibility criteria | Students must be enrolled in an institution of higher education during the COVID-19 national emergency. |
| FAFSA completion | Not required. |
| Title IV eligibility | Not required. |
| Priority for funding | Students with exceptional need. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students enrolled in an institution of higher education during the COVID-19 emergency are eligible for HEERF grants
- International students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements to receive HEERF grants
- International students do not need to be Title IV recipients but must be eligible for federal student aid
- HEERF grants are distributed by institutions, which decide how to allocate grants to students
- International students enrolled exclusively in online programs are not eligible for HEERF grants
International students enrolled in an institution of higher education during the COVID-19 emergency are eligible for HEERF grants
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on students enrolled in institutions of higher education, including international students. To provide relief, the US government, under the Biden administration, passed the third major COVID relief bill, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which included funding for a third round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III).
HEERF III provides emergency grants to students with exceptional financial needs, and, importantly, international students enrolled in an institution of higher education during the COVID-19 emergency are eligible for these grants. This marks a shift from previous iterations of the HEERF grants, which did not include international students. The Department of Education's updated guidance for HEERF III specifies that eligibility is extended to all students, regardless of their immigration status. This decision has been applauded by various groups, recognising that the pandemic knows no borders, and that aid should be provided based on financial need, rather than place of origin.
International students at institutions such as Cal State LA, Youngstown State University, and Purchase College, have been deemed eligible for HEERF III grants. To receive funding, students may need to complete an application, demonstrating their financial need. For example, at Cal State LA, international students can apply for HEERF III emergency aid funding by completing an online application through the Office of the Dean of Students. However, it is important to note that institutions are directed to prioritise students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants.
The HEERF III grants can be used to cover a range of expenses, including tuition, food, housing, healthcare, and childcare. These grants are typically disbursed directly to students, rather than being applied to any outstanding balances owed to the institution. Furthermore, the grants are not restricted by cost-of-attendance ceilings and do not count against a student's current or future financial aid package.
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International students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements to receive HEERF grants
International students are eligible for HEERF grants, according to the Department of Education's updated guidance. However, to receive the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants, international students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements. This is because, while HEERF grants are not Title IV aid, ED's final rule states that students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements to receive the grants.
International students who meet these criteria can apply for HEERF grants by completing the online application through the Office of the Dean of Students. It is important to note that HEERF III prioritizes domestic students in determining the levels of emergency aid funding. However, international students with exceptional need, such as those with DACA or undocumented status, may still receive funding.
The Biden administration has been applauded for expanding eligibility for HEERF grants to include international students based on financial need rather than place of origin. This expansion ensures that all students with need have access to emergency relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of their immigration status.
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International students do not need to be Title IV recipients but must be eligible for federal student aid
International students have been eligible for HEERF grants since the Department of Education's announcement of HEERF III, which was authorized under the American Rescue Plan and signed into law on March 11, 2021. This was a shift from the previous administration, which did not include international students in HEERF grants.
Under HEERF III, all students who are or were enrolled in an institution of higher education during the COVID-19 national emergency are eligible for emergency financial aid grants, regardless of whether they completed a FAFSA or are eligible for Title IV. This includes international students, as well as citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, other DREAMers, and similar undocumented students.
While international students do not need to be Title IV recipients, they must be eligible to receive federal student aid. Although the USDE does not require a FAFSA, this is the most practical way to determine whether a student is Title IV eligible. Title IV eligibility requirements, as defined by Section 484 of the Higher Education Act, include being enrolled and accepted for enrollment in a financial aid-approved degree or certificate program, having a high school diploma or GED, meeting satisfactory academic progress, and not owing an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans.
It is important to note that institutions must prioritize students with exceptional financial need when distributing HEERF grants, and the Department of Education encourages institutions to prioritize domestic students, especially undergraduates, in allocating funding.
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HEERF grants are distributed by institutions, which decide how to allocate grants to students
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants are distributed by educational institutions, which are given wide latitude in deciding how to allocate grants to students. The US Department of Education (ED) has issued guidance on the eligibility criteria for HEERF grants, but institutions are responsible for determining how grants will be distributed to students, how grant amounts will be calculated, and what instructions or directions will be provided to students.
According to the ED, all students enrolled in an institution of higher education during the COVID-19 national emergency are eligible for HEERF grants, regardless of their immigration status, whether they completed a FAFSA, or whether they are eligible for Title IV aid. This includes citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, undocumented students, and international students.
However, institutions must prioritize students with exceptional financial need when allocating HEERF grants. While the ED encourages institutions to prioritize domestic students, especially undergraduates, institutions have the flexibility to use their own formulas to determine how funds are divided among eligible recipients.
HEERF grants can be used for any component of a student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to the coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care, mental health care, or childcare. Institutions can also use the funds to support vulnerable students, monitor and suppress the coronavirus, and re-engage students whose education was disrupted by the pandemic.
While the ED has expanded eligibility for HEERF grants to include international students, it is important to note that each institution will have its own criteria for distributing grants based on prioritizing exceptional need. Students should contact their financial aid office for specific information on how to apply for HEERF grants and the eligibility requirements at their institution.
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International students enrolled exclusively in online programs are not eligible for HEERF grants
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to provide financial support to students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The act initially excluded international students from eligibility, but this changed with the introduction of HEERF III.
HEERF III, the third round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in March 2021. This round of funding expanded eligibility to include international students, regardless of their immigration status. This decision was welcomed by groups that had previously criticised the lack of support available to international students.
While international students are now eligible for HEERF grants, there are certain criteria that must be met. Firstly, students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements, which include being enrolled in an eligible degree program. Students enrolled exclusively in online programs on or before March 13, 2020, are not eligible for HEERF grants, as per the US Department of Education's April 21 guidance. Additionally, undergraduate students must be eligible to file a FAFSA, and a Social Security Number is required for disbursement of the grant.
It is important to note that institutions are directed to prioritise students with exceptional need when awarding grants. This includes students who receive Pell Grants or are eligible for other need-based grants. However, students do not need to be Pell Grant recipients or eligible to receive emergency aid.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are eligible for HEERF III emergency grants. The Department of Education has extended support to international students by offering over $36 billion in emergency grants. However, international students must meet the eligibility criteria for Title IV to receive HEERF grants.
To be eligible for Title IV, a student must be enrolled and accepted for enrollment in a financial aid-approved degree or certificate program. They must also have a high school diploma or GED, meet satisfactory academic progress, and not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans. Additionally, they should not be in default on a Title IV loan.
HEERF grants can be used for any component of a student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs arising due to the coronavirus. This includes tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), and childcare.
